Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the well-known Mexican boxer, was apprehended by U.S. immigration agents and faces imminent deportation to Mexico, where he has an active arrest warrant related to alleged involvement in organized crime. This announcement, made by U.S. officials on Thursday, follows his recent loss to influencer-boxer Jake Paul in California.
Chavez Jr., 39, is said to have connections with the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, according to U.S. authorities, assertions his legal counsel vehemently denies. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized the importance of holding high-profile individuals accountable under the law, stating, "Under President Trump, no one is above the law - including world-famous athletes."
The boxer was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Studio City, just days after his fight against Paul in Anaheim. Chavez Jr. is the offspring of legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., revered as Mexico’s finest in the sport.
In its statement, the DHS characterized Chavez as a "prominent Mexican boxer and criminal illegal alien," noting the expedited removal process that he is undergoing. The agency claims he holds a viable arrest warrant in Mexico related to organized crime, including firearms trafficking.
Further complicating his immigration situation, it is reported that Chavez Jr. applied for U.S. permanent residency due to his marriage to a U.S. citizen, allegedly tied to the Sinaloa Cartel through previous associations with Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman’s family. His history in the U.S. includes multiple weapon-related arrests, including a conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon earlier this year.
Chavez Jr. has also faced legal troubles for making allegedly fraudulent claims to gain residency and overstaying a tourist visa that lapsed in February. His attorney criticized the arrest as a tactic to instill fear within the Latin community, describing the claims of cartel association as "outrageous."
Two weeks prior to his arrest, Chavez Jr. expressed concerns about an increased presence of immigration raids in Los Angeles, reflecting the fears of many within the immigrant community. "It’s very ugly," he stated, condemning measures against immigrants under the prior administration, asserting they only create unnecessary fears and magnify existing tensions.
In the wake of his apprehension, the boxing world remains abuzz with speculation about Chavez Jr.'s future and the broader implications of his legal battles on his career in the sport.
